PTAC and Window AC Replacement for Colorado Apartments and Hotels
Colorado apartment owners, hotel operators and condo associations are replacing thousands of aging window units, through-the-wall air conditioners and PTACs. The usual answer is a ductless mini-split, but many buildings cannot accept an outdoor condenser on every balcony or wall. For those properties, a monobloc heat pump such as the Islandaire EZMB is often the most practical upgrade.
The problem with like-for-like replacements
Window units are seasonal, noisy and cooling-only. Older through-the-wall units leak air and use refrigerants that are being phased down. PTACs work well where sleeves already exist, but many units heat with electric resistance once the weather turns cold. Replacing each of these with the same thing keeps the same compromises for another decade.
Your three main options
Ductless mini-splits
The most efficient choice and the best for Colorado winters, but each system needs an outdoor condenser and refrigerant lines. In multifamily buildings, finding a legal, approved location for dozens of condensers is often the deal-breaker.
New PTACs
If the building already has PTAC sleeves in good condition, a new heat pump PTAC is usually the simplest and lowest-cost swap. See our Colorado PTAC sales and installation.
Monobloc heat pumps
A monobloc keeps the whole heat pump inside one wall cabinet and breathes through two 8-inch openings. There is no condenser outside, no line set and no refrigerant work on site. It is the best fit where there is no existing sleeve and no outdoor equipment is allowed.
When a monobloc makes sense
- The building or HOA prohibits condensers on balconies, façades or roofs.
- Units are being replaced from window ACs, so there are no sleeves to reuse.
- Refrigerant line routing through common areas would be expensive or disruptive.
- Each room or apartment needs independent control and metering.
- Rooms must return to service quickly, since most units install in one day.
Planning a multi-unit project
- Survey the walls. Confirm construction type, stud and lintel locations, and exterior clearances for each room.
- Check electrical capacity. Each 230V EZMB needs a dedicated 15 A circuit. Older buildings may need panel or feeder work.
- Get approvals. Provide cut sheets and exterior hood details (about 9 inches across) to the HOA, board or design review.
- Phase the work. Schedule floors or wings so occupied rooms stay in service.
- Plan winter heat. Pair units with building heat or the built-in 1,000 W heater for deep cold.
The honest trade-offs
A monobloc is less efficient than a cold-climate mini-split, at 16 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2, and its heating output falls to about 5,000 BTU per hour at 0 degrees F. It is a single-room unit. For buildings where condensers are allowed, a split system usually wins on operating cost. For buildings where they are not, the monobloc is often the best heat pump option available.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a monobloc installation take?
Most single units install in one day. Multi-unit projects are phased by floor or wing.
Is a monobloc quieter than a PTAC?
The Islandaire EZMB is rated 32 to 46 dBA, which is quieter than most PTACs and window units.
Planning a replacement project in Colorado? BBCOND has installed commercial HVAC since 2015. Call 303-219-1000 or request an estimate and we will recommend the right system for each room.